As the craft beer movement continues to gain traction in Detroit, it can be tough to find ways to please both the seasoned connoisseur and someone just starting to dip their toes into the world of craft beverages.
"There's so much beer geekdom going on, which is a good thing, and we're certainly on the forefront of that with our draft beer selections," says Rodman Cruse, manager of Tap at MGM Grand. "But the other side of that is, what about the person who comes along with the beer geek? What's in it for them?"
That's why Tap has introduced a new Beer Cocktails menu, and Cruse describes it as having gone "gangbusters" so far. The menu features concoctions such as the "Tap Lebowski," a White Russian-inspired drink anchored by a milkshake stout, and the "Carribean Apple," a summery lager-infused drink.
"What we wanted to do is give just another option for diners and maybe let them explore an idea of what beer can be, not just from a draft standpoint," Cruse says. "It's just something for the kind of that person that says, 'Hey, I might not drink beer all the time, but I want to try something new and maybe have some of that flavor profile explored,' and it's worked out really, really well."
As for the real beer fans, Tap also has its new Backroom Brews program, which features 10 tap handles dedicated to some of the best beer in the world. Only July 30, Tap will open the room with unique offerings from brewmasters from across the region. "It's kind of this brewmasters' playland," Cruse says. "Now we're offering them kind of a format for them to say, 'This is my heart and soul in a small keg. Here you go,' and it's a nice venue for that."
Other new offerings at Tap include live acoustic entertainment on Thursdays, which Cruse says is an all-ages venue. It's all part of MGM Grand Hotel & Casino's commitment to creating an environment unique to Detroit, Cruse says.
